Craigiehall

Craigiehall is a three-story country house west of Edinburgh featuring a rusticated basement and projecting central bays topped with pediments displaying heraldic symbols. The building served as a private residence and later as military headquarters.

William Bruce designed this residence in 1699 for William Johnston, the Second Earl of Annandale, incorporating classical Georgian principles. It later became headquarters for the British Army's Scottish Command before that use ended in 2015.

The name Craigiehall derives from Gaelic meaning "stone of the river". Rooms throughout display period details such as a white marble fireplace in the Blue Room, adorned with an old painting of Edinburgh's landscape.

The estate sits about 9 kilometers west of Edinburgh's center and is best reached by car. Visitors should arrange visits in advance, as access is limited and availability varies with the season.

The estate contains an 18th-century grotto with two levels built entirely from rough stones. The upper level features its own fireplace, revealing the craftsmanship invested in this unusual garden structure.

Location: City of Edinburgh

Location: Edinburgh

Inception: 1699

Architects: William Bruce

GPS coordinates: 55.96644,-3.33549

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:26